Wading Birds - Population Biology and Foraging Ecology, Firth of Thames

From report executive summary: The 45 year count series reveals substantial changes in the coastal bird community over time. The distribution of roosting shorebirds in the Firth of Thames has changed wtih the spread of mangroves across the southern shores of the Firth. Areas that formerly held substantial numbers of birds have largely been abandoned, and some species that used these areas have declined substantially in number. Other species have increased over time, most notably the pied oystercatcher, though there is the suggestion of a recent decline in numbers. the species the Firth of Thames is most important for, the wrybill, has declined over the past 30 years. Over the same period, numbers have risen in the manukau harbour, suggesting a gradual redistribution of the population. Further discussion in report. Purpose: To assess long term trends in shorebird numbers in the Firth of Thames using Ornithological Society data. The study also reviews relevant studies on the relationships between key shorebird species and their benthic intertidal prey.

Report contains a complete analysis of changes in shorebird numbers from 1960 to 2005. Comparisons are made with a parallel dataset from the Manukau Harbour. Characteristics of the benthic communities of the Firth of Thames intertidal mudflats are described and the diet of the key wading bird species outlined.

Firth of Thames

Review of data from 1960-2005 - Ornothological Society data.

See related datasets. Frequency of collection: n/a

The study cannot make predictions about potential impacts on waders and their food supply by potential marine farming. Data quality: As per ornothological data sets.

Report available from Auckland Regional Council.

Data held by Ornothological Society of New Zealand